login | Register

Too Much Fun

Posted: May 02, 2008

When Deryle Perryman contacted me last week to say that he and fellow filmmaker Moises Gonzales were coming to Alabama and would I like to host a get-together at my home on Elk River, I said “Is an eight pound robin fat?” (I was once married to a guy from Michigan.) There is nothing I love better than a party, especially when it involves intriguing guests.

Unfortuately, my brother-in-law, blues musician Billy C Farlow, was in California for three weeks, but his friend Peter Thompson of Zane Records and his charming wife Diana were here from Reading, England. Deryle, who grew up in Florence, Alabama, offered to round up a few more folks in the music business from the Shoals, and I said I would invite some friends from the river. Deryle was particularly eager to meet and talk with Peter Thompson about distribution of his (Deryle’s) film Dangerous Highway about musician Eddie Hinton, as well as his current project—a documentary about Vietnam veterans, forty years later.

On the day of the party, Peter and Diana arrived promptly at 5 PM as they were no strangers to Elk River, having visited on previous occasions. Deryle and Moises, who were flying into Birmingham from Albuquerque, arrived around 6. About dinner time we all grew concerned over the whereabouts of Dick Cooper. Turns out he was not able to find my well-hidden abode and, having no phone number to call, missed the evening entirely. When I contacted him, I promised him I would bring Billy C and my sister to his next fish fry on Shoals Creek.

To conjure up the spirit of Billy C Farlow, I put five of his cds on the stereo plus the cd that Greg Spradlin had given me at the Alabama Studio Weekend and turned up the volume. The conversation flowed along with the wine and beer:  the music business, filmmaking, politics, socialized medicine, art, and food. As one must fight for the floor at an Elk River dinner party, there were at least five conversations going on at once. The ten of us—Deryle, Moises, Peter and Diana, John Farlow (BC’s brother), my friends Carol F and Faylee, and Susan Parker (Alabama Public Service Commissioner) and her husband Paul and I— sounded like a small army. (Pictured from left to right: Deryle, Peter, Moises, and Diana. Sorry about the wind chime hanging next to Deryle's head.)

Because Peter and Diana are what a friend in California calls “pescaterians,” i.e, vegetarians who eat fish, I made a dish called Shrimp Le Maistre (with gulf shrimp) from the Decatur Junior League cookbook Cotton Country Cooking, brown rice,Sister Shubert whole wheat yeast rolls (Faylee knew Sister Shubert when she was getting her start years ago in Troy, Alabama), and Frank Stitt’s arugula salad with buttermilk dressing. Stitt’s salad is supposed to be served with fried green tomatoes, but I did not think I could manage fried green tomatoes for nearly a dozen folks. I was delighted to find out that Peter and Diana had eaten fried green tomatoes in Birmingham, Alabama, at the Irondale Cafe, the original Whistle Stop Café. For dessert I served dark chocolate brownies— Duncan Hines, of course, since I panic at the thought of preparing anything that calls for sugar and flour or precise measurements. My daughter once said to a friend “Mother and I love chocolate chip cookies. We eat them right out of the tube.”

Just as we finished dinner, a crimson and purple sunset ignited the western sky and dyed the river tones of pink and lavender. Night descended, but we carried on late into the evening. It was 10:30 before the last guest was gone, and I was left alone listening to Billy C Farlow singing “I ain’t never had too much fun.”

---Penne J. Laubenthal

related tags

RiverVue,
Urban,
Coastal,
River,
Muscle Shoals,
Alabama,
Victuals,
Music,

Wireless from AT&T


Comments

xiaohaizi says...

ugg outlet us uggs uggs best boots uggs us uggs women ugg uggs australia uggs uggs store sheepskin boots sheepskin boots for sale boots for sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic uggs uggs clearance cheap uggs new?ugg?boots ugg outlet us uggs uggs best boots uggs us uggs women ugg uggs australia uggs uggs store sheepskin boots sheepskin boots for sale boots for sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic uggs uggs clearance cheap uggs new?ugg?boots ugg outlet us uggs uggs best boots uggs us uggs women ugg uggs australia uggs uggs store sheepskin boots sheepskin boots for sale boots for sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic uggs uggs clearance cheap uggs new?ugg?boots ugg outlet us uggs uggs best boots uggs us uggs women ugg uggs australia uggs uggs store sheepskin boots sheepskin boots for sale boots for sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic uggs uggs clearance cheap uggs new?ugg?boots ugg outlet us uggs uggs best boots uggs us uggs women ugg uggs australia uggs uggs store sheepskin boots sheepskin boots for sale boots for sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic uggs uggs clearance cheap uggs new?ugg?boots ugg outlet us uggs uggs best boots uggs us uggs women ugg uggs australia uggs uggs store sheepskin boots sheepskin boots for sale boots for sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic uggs uggs clearance cheap uggs new?ugg?boots ugg outlet us uggs uggs best boots uggs us uggs women ugg uggs australia uggs uggs store sheepskin boots sheepskin boots for sale boots for sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic boots sale ugg classic uggs uggs clearance cheap uggs new?ugg?boots ugg outlet us uggs uggs best boots uggs us uggs women ugg uggs australia uggs uggs store

xiaohe says...

American society of sports among the very popular, Clay Matthews Jerseyespecially Packers Jerseyin ball gamesAaron Rodgers Jersey, likeBrett Favre Jersey baseball, Penguins Jerseybasketball ,Kris Letang Jersey ,Sidney Crosby Jersey,soccer,Leafs Jerseysamerican Wendel Clark Jersey ,footballPenguins Jersey ice hockey,Phil Kessel JerseyfromDion Phaneuf Jersey the young peopleRaiders Jersey, to theBo Jackson Jersey high schoolNnamdi Asomugha Jersey,college, the whole team has Lian organization and system ofDarren Mcfadden Jersey theUnion , while the financial strength Marcus Allen Jerseyof the professional ball alliance,Beats By Dr.Dre , Beats By Dre , Dr Dre Headphones ,Monster Beats By Dr Dre Headphones ,Monster Beats Headphones, more about the daily activities of americans.,Penguins Jersey,Andre Fleury Jersey, Brooks Orpik Jersey ,Chris Kunitz Jersey ,Evgeni Malkin Jersey , Jordan Staal Jersey ,Kris Letang Jersey , Sidney Crosby Jersey , Mario Lemieux Jersey ,Maxime Talbot Jersey ,Ruslan Fedotenko Jersey ,Sergei Gonchar Jersey ,Tom Barrasso Jersey, Tyler Kennedy Jersey.The popularity of american society ball games so, on the most popular american football, the degree of love is sometimes frenzied. Boys in high school, most proud of is elected to the U.S. full school team,Packers Jersey ,A.j.hawk Jersey ,Aaron Kampman Jersey , Al Harris Jersey , B.j. Raji Jersey ,Aaron Rodgers Jersey,Charles Woodson Jersey ,Clay Matthews Jersey,Clay Matthews Jersey ,Donald Driver Jersey , Greg Jennings Jersey ,Jermichael Finley Jersey, Michael Crabtree Jersey , Paul Hornung Jersey, Reggie White Jersey,Ryan Grant Jersey, William Henderson Jersey, the set of numbers printed with eight inch wide U.S. soccer clothes, seems to symbolize a special status. Girls can not participate in football, but can be elected cheerleader is a privilege.Inextricably linked to american football and american society Raiders Jersey , Art Shell Jersey, Bo Jackson Jersey, Darren Mcfadden Jersey, Marcus Allen Jersey, Nnamdi Asomugha Jersey,Rolando Mcclain Jersey ,Darrius Heyward Bey Jersey, Daunte Culpepper Jersey , Deangelo Hall Jersey, Derrick Burgess Jersey, Howie Long Jersey,Javon Walker Jersey, Jim Plunkett Jersey, Michael Huff Jersey ,Richard Seymour Jersey, Tim Brown JerseyOutside the U.S., only Europe has a team composed of six European American Football League. In other places such as Japan, Australia, Mexico, American football is also popular, but only amateur event.Kris Letang Jersey ,Colton Orr Jersey ,Dion Phaneuf Jersey , Doug Gilmour Jersey ,Francois Beauchemin Jersey, Jason Blake Jersey ,Jonas Gustavsson Jersey, Kris Versteeg Jersey, Luke Schenn Jersey, Mats Sundin Jersey, Mike Komisarek Jersey, Phil Kessel Jersey, Tie Domi Jersey ,Tim Horton Jersey ,Tomas Kaberle Jersey ,Tyler Bozak Jersey ,Vesa Toskala Jersey, Wendel Clark Jersey

says...

For these USA louis vuitton that come with the new versions for all of you. You can always find these fashion women would like to go to the louis vuitton outlet for the newly products in order to make themselves much more fashionable. However the products that sold in the louis vuittonthat seems to be much lower than these sold in the louis vuitton handbags. We are also a great louis vuitton online shop which earns high reputation and popularity. It is famous among the lv outlet. So do you also want to own the the new products than just come to the louis vuitton sunglasses. And now it is popular for you to shop on the louis vuitton handbags store for these excellent louis vuitton wallets products.

says...

For these USA louis vuitton that come with the new versions for all of you. You can always find these fashion women would like to go to the louis vuitton outlet for the newly products in order to make themselves much more fashionable. However the products that sold in the louis vuittonthat seems to be much lower than these sold in the louis vuitton handbags. We are also a great louis vuitton online shop which earns high reputation and popularity. It is famous among the lv outlet. So do you also want to own the the new products than just come to the louis vuitton sunglasses. And now it is popular for you to shop on the louis vuitton handbags store for these excellent louis vuitton wallets products.

gucci outlet says...

Now here comes in luxury and worldwide famous gucci outlet|coach outlet|Gucci shoes|gucci handbags|gucci sneakers|cheap gucci shoes|discount gucci handbags|gucci handbags on sale for you. These discount Gucci shoes for women on sale serve different functions and keep your feet warm all the time. You will be knocked dead with superb creations of such authentic gucci outlet online|gucci outlet clearance|discount gucci for sale|discount gucci outlet|cheap gucci outlet|cheap clearance gucci for women on sale. Superior craftsmanship and eye-catching designs of cheap gucci on gucci outlet sale|gucci shoes sale|gucci for sale make them the perfect complement to any outfit. So pretty up your personal style with this cheap Gucci boot for sale in the gucci shop|gucci store|cheap gucci store online.

wwwkan123 says...

Today I found a wonderful website,the site contained:

Dressok
cheap wedding dresses
Junior Bridesmaid Dresses
wedding dresses
Cheap Homecoming Dresses
Cheap Quinceanera Dresses
Inexpensive bridesmaid dresses
Christian Louboutin Sale
Cheap Maternity Wedding Dresses
A-Line Wedding Dresses
Cheap Couture Wedding Dresses
Cheap Beach Wedding Dresses
Cheap Casual Wedding Dresses
Cheap Simple Wedding Dresses
Cheap Modest Wedding Dresses
Cheap Special Occasion Dresses
Cheap Evening Dresses
Cheap Quinceanera Dresses
Cheap Homecoming Dresses
Cheap Prom Dresses
Cheap Little Black Dresses
Cheap Sequined Formal Dresses
Cheap Plus Size Wedding Dresses
Pink Wedding Dresses
Lowest Price Ugg Boots
Discount Fake Ugg Boots
Cheap Wedding Party Dresses
Cheap Bridesmaid Dresses
Junior Bridesmaid Dresses
Cheap Flower Girl Dresses
Cheap Mother of the Bride Dresses
Christian Louboutin Sale
Christian Louboutin Shoes
Christian Louboutin 2010
Christian Louboutin Boots
Christian Louboutin Pumps
Christian Louboutin Sandals
Christian Louboutin Shoes
Christian Louboutin d'Orsays
christian louboutin matatales 70
discount christian louboutin simple 85 pumps
ristian louboutin leopard print ankle boots
hristian louboutin sigourney boot
authentic christian louboutin leopard print ankle boots
christian louboutin shoes very noeud slingback

Bra Store brides store Cash Blog Cheap Homecoming Dress Christmas Dresses Blog Coat Store COSTUMI STORE face online fitting store French Breads i-feng inexpensive wedding dress Manhattan Bridge Moon Cake My god NEW EVENING DRESSES NFL JERSEYS STORE Overcoat Store Princess dresses Prom Dresses Store Shoe Online Soul singer Style Dresses Swimsuit Store tiffany blog Usa Rugby Who Dresses you Wholesale Dresses Wholesale Furniture Wholesale Sunglass customers blog

krister says...

Keep in mind that specialty leather gucci slippers products such as men gucci shoes cheap suede or patent leather gucci outlet gucci mens loafers have special products gucci shoes high tops intended specifically cheap gucci shoes sale for their gucci sandals care. For example, you would not want moncler jackets for men to use some of the oil or cream louis vuitton sandals based products moncler jackets in caring for suede shoes. Often regular, gentle brushing to remove loose soil and a spray on suede cleaner will be just the thing for cleaning that type of leather.

lili123 says...

UGG boots the 19th century lovely soft 20 years the trend of the four models Swept the streets of UGG snow boots the popularity of Australia's rural areas we have overlooked: UGG shoes is not a brand there will be new UGG listed wear it just because Hollywood actress took to the streets in a circle Show to attract fans of many there will be new UGG listed but a us ugg sale synonym for a class of shoes different ages hardcore fans snow boots commonly known there will be new UGG listed UGG boots the 19th century lovely soft 20 years the trend of the four models uggs sale Swept the streets of UGG snow boots us ugg the popularity of Australia's rural areas best boots sale we have overlooked: UGG shoes is not a brand there will be new UGG listed wear it just because Hollywood actress took to the streets in a circle Show to attract fans of many there will be new UGG listed

says...

Opinion is very unique! Your point of view has given me great inspiration, thank you!
ugg outlet |ugg boots outlet
five finger shoes|vibram five fingers

alilia says...

These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post, writing is simply great, thank you for the post! From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work. cheap uggs ugg classic mini classic cardy uggs ugg classic crochet ugg boots on sale classic uggs sale ugg classic short ugg 5833 cheap coach bags discount coach handbags discount coach wallets coach shoes on sale coach store coach handbags outlet coach luggage coach sunglasses Coach Outlet Online coach outlets stores designer coach handbags coach tote bag coach wallets coach purses outlet coach bags outlet coach handbags on sale coach sneakers coach outlets stores coach leather handbags Coach Sandals coach sunglasses cheap coach purses coach crossbody bags coach boots coach wristlets Gucci Outlet Gucci Bags Gucci Backpack Gucci Shoes Never before I had crossed over like an informative post like this. I was totally sick with your post you shared.

replicabags says...

The forerunner of cheap replica watches was founded at replica watches, watches replica in 1848 by 23-year-old Louis Brant, who assembled key-wound precision diesel watches bands from parts supplied by local craftsmen. He sold his diesel watches bands from Italy to Scandinavia by way of England, his chief market. After Louis Brandt's death in 1879, his two sons guess watches replacement bands and gucci watches for women, troubled by irregular deliveries of questionable quality, abandoned the unsatisfactory assembly workshop system in favour of in-house manufacturing and total production control. Due to the greater supply of manpower, communications and energy in Biel, the enterprise moved into a small factory in January 1880, then bought the entire building in December. Two years later the company moved into a converted spinning-factory in the invicta watch bands of Biel, where headquarters are still situated today. Their first series-produced calibres, Labrador and audemars piguet t3, as well as the famous Omega calibre of 1894, would ensure the brand's marketing success.Louis-Paul and César Brandt both died in 1903, leaving one of Switzerland's largest bvlgari watches for men bvlgari diagono companies — with 240,000 fossil watch produced annually and employing 800 people — in the hands of four young people, the oldest of whom, Paul-Emile Brandt, was not yet 24. Brandt was the great architect and builder of tudor watches oyster. His influence would be felt over the next half-century. The economic difficulties brought on by the First World War would lead him to work actively from 1925 toward the union of Omega and Tissot, then to their merger in 1930 within the group SSIH, Geneva. Under his leadership, and from 1955 that of Joseph Reiser, the SSIH Group continued to grow and multiply, absorbing or creating some fifty companies. By the seventies, SSIH had become Switzerland's number one producer of finished elini watch new yorker and number three in the world. Not anymore.We sell the finest gucci watches for men from any marketplace. rolex daytona black quality can't be beat as every one of our Replica Omega Seamaster rolex Yachtmaster replica is carefully tested bfore we ship it to our consumers. Weakened by the severe monetary crisis and recession of 1975 to 1980, SSIH was bailed out by the banks in 1981. During this period, Seiko expressed interest in acquiring Omega, but nothing came out of the talks. Switzerland's other invicta force 4831 giant Allgemeine Schweizerische Uhrenindustrie iwc portuguese 5001, principal manufacturer of ébauches (unfinished movements produced for a range of other patek philippe geneve wristwatch assemblers) and owner of the Longines and oyster perpetual day date rolex watches brands, was similarly saved a year later. After drastic financial cleansing and a restructuring of the two groups' R&D and production operations at the ETA complex in Granges, the two giants merged in 1983 to form the Holding ASUAG-SSIH. In 1985 the holding company was taken over by a group of private investors under the strategy and leadership of Nicolas Hayek. Immediately renamed SMH, Société suisse de Microélectronique et d'Horlogerie, the new group achieved rapid growth and success to become today's top gevril 5004 producer in the world. Rotary watches group in 1998, it now includes Blancpain and Breguet. Omega remains one of its most prestigious brands. Today ebel watches are sought after and revered for the tactical instruments and fine timepieces that they represent. The classic models include: rolex submariner date, Graham Chronofighter, triumph watches and hublot geneve crocco,etc. u boat watch store new york commits to supplying ladies gucci watches stainless steel from the highest quality, at the lowest prices, providing the greatest service and satisfaction available! Place an order today and enjoy the Fashion-replica shopping experience!

replicabags says...

The cheap replica watches story begins in 1848, with its founder watches replica, hand assembling replica watches put together from parts made in the local La Chaux-de-Fonds. corum bubble watch passed away in 1879, leaving the company to his two sons Louis-Paul and Cesar, who moved the company to Bienne in January 1880. Through an economic crisis in the 1980’s the company merged with another large Swiss conglomerate, breitling super avenger, makers of cartier quartz, iwc vanilla sky, to create a new company ferrari watches. Eventually this pairing fell on hard times and the company was taken over by a private group and renamed SMH, which still exists today. 1981, Omega expanded from rented facilities in New York and Vermont to our current Rhinebeck home on the former grounds of invicta watches website retail price, a popular Yiddish camp. Over the years, we have lovingly restored the campus while maintaining its simplicity as it has grown to nearly 200 acres and more than 100 buildings, including the Sanctuary, the patek philippe aquanaut jumbo, and the new graham chronofighter oversize overlord for Sustainable Living.Following a merger with Tissot in 1930 a new parent company, esquire women watch, Société suisse pour l'industrie horlogère SA, Geneva, was created. This group eventually grew to over 50 companies including, Lanco, Lémania and Hamilton. Eventually SSIH became the third largest producers of finished girard perregaux vintage 1945 ladies and movements in the world. During this period Omega produced some of its most collectible A.Lange & Sohne watches which tag heuer aquaracer automatic is famous for today. Nowadays, swiss army field watches is the nation's most trusted source for wellness and personal growth, welcoming more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck and at exceptional locations around the world. Keeping improvement and high quality is the specialty of hublot superb, so you can easily know from our online shop what's the newest model of the patek philippe geneve. With detailed imitation, qualified materials and elegant model, the breguet la tradition endows you a refreshed image! Buy gerald genta watches brands from us and you will find that what you get is not only a time-telling device but a stylish accessory on your wrist.With fast delivery, these hamilton watches prices can be at your door in just 9 days or even quicker. Questions and comments will be received by our customer support team 7 days a week, with a guaranteed response time of just three hours. If you've ever wanted to enjoy the simple pleasure of looking like a million bucks for just a few, check out the patek philippe 5052 collection today! iwc aquatimer are a popular choice for fashion-forward men and women who appreciate the sophistication, style and prestige that come with owning an exquisite patek philippe sky moon tourbillon with a unique, recognizable design. rolex submariner watch make a distinct fashion statement, as well as a statement of status, to those around you and are considered a must-have accessory in some circles. Want to own your favorite hublot black magic but cann`t afford it? It`s some what luxurious to buy it as it`s exorbitant price. bvlgari men's watches are welcomed with the people of modern society because of it is accurate imitation from original, good quality and reasonable price. www.fashion-replica.com supplies large collection of edox watches malaysia with the latest designs, browse our website and choose your favorite u-boat watches collection now.

thomassabochh says...

This ambit of Thomas Sabo onlineshop charms was Thomas Sabo alien in 210 Thomas Sabo Charms and became thomas sabo anhänger a bit hit thomas sabo sale a allotment thomas sabo kette of the lovers thomas sabo uhren of admirable jewelers thomas sabo outlet. The amount ambit thomas sabo armband of Barbie charms thomas sabo ohrringe ranges from $29 thomas sabo charm club to $130 and the pieces thomas sabo schmuck are awash independently. To thomas sabo deutschland distinctively bless thomas sabo Beliebteste Artikel the 50th thomas sabo Charm Carriers ceremony of Barbie doll thomas sabo Armbänder, a ambit of winter thomas sabo Ketten Bänder charms was alien by the company thomas sabo Halsschmuck. You accept to see thomas sabo Armschmuck the admirable designs thomas sabo Ohrschmuck of necklaces and bracelets thomas sabo Watches and the bloom of these designs.

says...

The Arkenstone! ugg boots clearance The Arkenstone!" murmured Thorin in the dark, half dreaming with his chin upon his knees. "It was like a globe with a thousand facets; it shone like silver in the firelight, like water in the sun, ugg boots clearancelike snow under the stars, like rain upon the Moon!" But the enchanted desire of the hoard had fallen from Bilbo.ugg boots clearance All through their talk he was only half listening to them. He sat nearest to the door with one ear cocked for any beginnings of a sound without, cheap uggs his other was alert or echoes beyond the murmurs of the dwarves, for any whisper of a movement from far below. Darkness grew deeper and he grew ever more uneasy. "Shut the door!" ugg boots clearancehe begged them. "I fear that dragon in my marrow. I like this silence far less than the uproar of last night. Shut the door before it is too late!" Something in his voice gave the dwarves an uncomfortable feeling.ugg boots clearance Slowly Thorin shook off his dreams and getting up he kicked away the stone that wedged the door. Then they thrust upon it, and it closed with a snap and a clang. No trace of a keyhole was there left on the inside.louis vuitton outlet They were shut in the Mountain!lv bags

michaelbuffalo says...

I too, love it sweetheart. You really have the South in your heart....I am so jealous. I have yet to meet my pal Peter Thompson! If only I knew when he was coming across the pond! As for Billy C., well, "I ain't NEVER had too much fun!!" Billy is another one I need to see again soon! Good writing, fun stuff.

jcalemine says...

PL, ...This dispatch highlights your culture, cognizance and elegance...hats off to you southern lady...

Please login or you can to leave a comment.

If you aren't registered, Register Now to start leaving comments.

Copyright 1998-2018 by Swampland Inc. All rights reserved.